ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF held a majority of the possession in its second match of the season and fired a match-high 13 shots, including a three on-target, but Elon prevailed with a 1-0 victory Sunday in the John Rennie Nike Invitational.
The Knights (0-2-0) had five players - Matias Pyysalo, Cal Jennings, Jesus Colombo, Louis Perez and Hattabiou Barry - register two shots at Koskinen Stadium. UCF pressed during the final 30 minutes of the contest, but was unable to find the equalizer against Elon (1-0-1).
At the conclusion of the John Rennie Nike Invitational, freshmen midfielder Yoni Sorokin and goalkeeer Yannik Oettl were named to the all-tournament team. Oettl tallied nine saves in the two matches, while Sorokin controlled the midfielder and fired one shot on target.
FIRST HALF BREAKDOWN
- The Knights controlled the first half with their possession, but Elon took advantage of a miscue along the back line and Elijah Agu finished a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper in the 28th minute.
- UCF held an advantage in shots (8-2) and shots on goal (2-1).
- The marker for the Phoenix came on its first shot of the frame. The Knights held the Phoenix to just three shots in the match.
CLOSE CALLS
- In the 51st minute, sophomore Richard Amon saved a ball on the offensive end line and sent a cross through the box. With a defender in front of him, a hurried shot by junior Ricardo Oliveros was sent over the crossbar.
- Pyysalo lined up a free kick from 25-yards out in the 61st minute, but his bending strike went high as well
- With nine minutes remaining, Jennings received a cross from Dean in the middle of the box, but his low strike was gabbed by an out-stretched goalkeeper.
MAKING THEIR DEBUT
- Freshman Francois Dulysse and Jennings each earned their first start of the season for the Knights.
- Nine of the 11-member starting lineup remained the same from the season opener at Duke.
- It was also the first appearances of the season for Colombo and Dulysse.
NEXT UP
- The home opener on International Soccer Knight is set for Friday at 7 p.m. vs. Charlotte.
- The match also serves as the first home contest of the Scott Calabrese era.
A NEW ERA
The UCF men's soccer team is set to begin its first campaign under the guidance of head coach Scott Calabrese and will welcome seven teams to the UCF Soccer Complex. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
BECOME A PART OF THE WATCH
Membership to Knights Watch, the official supporters group of UCF Soccer, begins at $15 for students and $50 for fans. Packages include tickets to all home contests for men's and women's soccer, a Knights Watch T-Shirt, a soccer scarf and a variety of free catered tailgates. To become a member, click here.
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